Doctors criticize insurer on heart-testing policy

Many New Jerseyans might have to wait to get heart tests under new rules from the state's largest health insurer.

Doctors group NJ Physicians is complaining that Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey is going to delay access to potentially lifesaving stress tests, echocardiograms and diagnostic heart catheterizations.

The pre-certification for stress tests and catheterizations goes into effect March 3. But Horizon has delayed the pre-certification for echocardiograms as it tries to work out a compromise with the American College of Cardiology's state chapter.

Horizon says emergency or life-threatening situations are exempted from the rules.

-- Associated Press